4 runners run to the River Colne to litter pick for Rivercare

Small group - Big achievements

This Friday lunch time was a very productive one! Getting out of work to get some fresh air in the lungs and do some good for the community. Perfect.

Our little group consisted of 2 current goodgymers and a newbie led by the expertise of Angela! The lunch time event was part of an Essex County Council innovation project called 'Art of the possible'. So after a warm up and introductions off we ran up the hill of Castle Park to collect our tools: the task was litter picking along the River Colne.

Now I mentioned expertise and Angela has this in abundance, although it seems her ability to name sweet packets, crisp packets and various other pieces of litter is a hidden talent. Your secret is out.

"Your secret is out."

We managed to pick up two bin bags full of litter in around 35 minutes including a boomerang! Naturally I gave the boomerang a go and got it stuck in a tree...but I got it back so I will take that as a successful throw! The ducks, swans and squirrels definitely appreciate our efforts and having a clean safe riverbank for families to enjoy is indeed a very good thing.

We finished our session with a jog up the hill and some parkrun prep, practising hill running technique and efficient racing lines. Our little group achieved a great amount in a short amount of time. Well done to Helen (first-timer) and Aaron and thanks to David for providing the equipment, not to mention Angela for the coaching. Let's keep up the great work and spread the word so that we have big groups and huge achievements.

Run Report written by James Taverner

Our next Group run is on Wednesday evening, when we'll be running to the Colchester Food Bank to give it a deep clean. Sign up here.